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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
16 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
December 10, 2024
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl | Disabled & Neurodivergent Advocate
The CEA Card (Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card) allows eligible disabled people in the UK to get a free cinema ticket for a carer or companion when buying a qualifying ticket for themselves.
Going to the cinema should be something everyone can enjoy. But if your disability means you need someone to accompany you, paying for two tickets can make a simple trip considerably more expensive.
Whether you need help getting around, assistance during a screening or someone with you in case your symptoms change, the CEA Card can help reduce the cost of having that support.
And importantly, you don’t necessarily need to receive PIP to apply.
This guide explains who qualifies, what evidence you’ll need, how to apply online or by post, and how to use your card at participating cinemas. We’ll also look at ways to save even more on cinema trips through Purpl.
Want to save more on days out? Join Purpl to access discounts on cinema tickets, attractions and everyday essentials. Membership is available to eligible disabled people, people with long term health conditions, and parents and carers.
What does a CEA Card entitle you to? A CEA Card entitles eligible disabled people to one free companion ticket at participating UK cinemas when purchasing a qualifying ticket for themselves. The companion can be a friend, family member, carer or personal assistant who provides disability-related support during the visit.
The CEA Card is a national cinema scheme administered on behalf of UK cinemas. It helps remove some of the additional costs disabled people face when accessing entertainment.
Your companion doesn’t need to be a professional carer. They could be your partner, friend, parent or another person who can provide the assistance you need.
For example, you might need someone to:
The card doesn’t make your own cinema ticket free. Instead, you purchase a qualifying ticket and receive one complimentary companion ticket for the same screening.
You can check the scheme rules at https://www.ceacard.co.uk/faq.
Purpl Insight: For someone who cannot safely or comfortably attend the cinema alone, paying for a companion isn’t simply an optional extra. It’s another cost that comes with living with a disability.
Who is eligible for a CEA Card in the UK? Disabled people aged five or over who need assistance at the cinema may qualify for a CEA Card. Accepted evidence includes PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, certain Scottish disability benefits and sight impairment registration. People without qualifying evidence can request an individual assessment.
There are several routes to eligibility, including qualifying disability benefits, visual impairment registration and individual assessment.
| Application route | Accepted evidence or requirements |
|---|---|
| Qualifying disability benefits | PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment |
| Visual impairment | Evidence of registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired |
| Individual assessment | Supporting information explaining why your disability means you need someone to accompany you to the cinema |
| Not accepted as direct proof | Blue Badge, Disabled Persons Railcard, Freedom Pass, Universal Credit or ESA alone |
The official CEA Card eligibility guidance explains which documents the scheme accepts.
No. Eligibility isn’t limited to people with physical disabilities or mobility difficulties.
People with neurological conditions, learning disabilities, visual impairments, autism and other disabilities may need someone to accompany them for different reasons.
What matters is the assistance you need during a cinema visit.
For example, someone with Multiple Sclerosis might need help because of balance problems or fatigue, while another person might need support with communication, understanding instructions or managing unexpected situations.
A diagnosis alone doesn’t guarantee eligibility, but it can help explain why assistance is necessary.
Purpl Tip: Focus on the support you actually need at the cinema rather than simply listing your diagnoses, particularly if you’re applying through the individual assessment route.
Can I apply for a CEA Card if I don’t receive disability benefits? Yes. You can apply for a CEA Card without PIP, DLA or another qualifying disability benefit. The scheme offers individual assessments for disabled people who need someone to accompany them to the cinema but don’t have the usual eligibility documents.
This is particularly important for disabled people who don’t claim benefits but still need someone to accompany them.
If you don’t have the usual qualifying evidence, the CEA Card team can consider your circumstances individually.
You may need to explain:
The scheme may ask for supporting information to assess your application.
A Blue Badge alone isn’t accepted as direct proof of eligibility.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically excluded. You can contact the CEA Card team to discuss the individual assessment process.
The same applies if you have a Disabled Persons Railcard or another disability access card but don’t receive one of the qualifying benefits.
Purpl Insight: Not everyone who needs disability-related assistance receives disability benefits. The individual assessment route recognises that people’s support needs don’t always fit neatly into benefit eligibility categories.
A CEA Card costs £6.50 and is valid for 12 months.
The fee covers the administration and production of your personalised card.
Although there’s an upfront cost, the CEA Card can pay for itself after just one cinema visit. We’ll show you how much you could save over a year further down this guide.
You can confirm the current fee on the official application page: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/apply.
Purpl Tip: If you visit the cinema even a few times a year with someone who assists you, the card could save considerably more than its annual fee.
How do I apply for a CEA Card? You can apply for a CEA Card online or by post. You’ll need proof of eligibility, a recent photograph and £6.50 for the annual fee. Online applications are generally quicker, while postal applications are available if you prefer paper forms.
You can also apply on behalf of a disabled child or adult who needs help completing the application.
Applying online is usually the easiest option, particularly if you already have a digital copy of your disability benefit letter or other accepted evidence.
If you prefer paper forms or find online applications difficult, you can apply by post instead.
The scheme has previously used the following postal address:
CEA Card
PO Box 199
Deeside
CH5 9BW
Check the latest form before posting, as addresses and payment arrangements can change. Allow extra time for postage and processing.
Parents, guardians and carers can help complete a CEA Card application for someone who needs assistance, including a disabled child aged five or over.
When applying on someone else’s behalf:
For adults, make sure you have their permission or appropriate authority to apply on their behalf. Parents or guardians should follow the scheme’s requirements when applying for a child.
The CEA Card will be issued in the disabled person’s name, but their companion can be a parent, partner, friend or another person who provides the assistance they need.
Purpl Tip: Have your eligibility evidence and photograph ready before starting. If you struggle with forms, fatigue or concentration, ask someone you trust to help. You can also contact Citizens Advice to find out what application support is available locally.
A CEA Card application can take up to 10 working days to process after payment, provided the application is complete and the necessary evidence has been supplied.
You should also allow time for postal delivery.
If information is missing or the team needs to assess your circumstances individually, your application may take longer.
If you’re planning a cinema visit for a birthday, school holiday or special occasion, it’s worth applying well in advance.
You can contact the scheme if your card hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe.
Purpl Tip: Don’t buy non-refundable tickets assuming your CEA Card will arrive by a particular date. Wait until you have your card or confirm the booking arrangements with the cinema.
The CEA Card is accepted at approximately 90% of UK cinemas, including participating locations operated by major cinema chains and independent venues.
These include:
However, not every venue necessarily follows the same booking process.
The easiest way to check whether your local cinema accepts the card is to use the official directory:
https://www.ceacard.co.uk/cinema-chains
You should also check the cinema’s own accessibility information before booking, particularly if you need wheelchair seating, step-free access or a particular screening format.
Purpl Tip: Don’t assume that every cinema in a chain has identical facilities or booking arrangements. Check the specific venue you’re visiting.
Yes, some UK cinemas accept the Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol for free companion tickets, including ODEON and participating Picturehouse cinemas. Vue is also listed in the Access Card directory, although its companion ticket arrangements should be checked before booking.
The Nimbus Access Card is different from the CEA Card. Rather than being designed specifically for cinema visits, it helps disabled people communicate their accessibility requirements at participating attractions, theatres, cinemas and other venues.
The +1 symbol shows that you need an essential companion to support you when accessing a venue.
Three cinema chains worth checking are:
You can search for participating venues using the Nimbus Access Card provider directory.
| CEA Card | Nimbus Access Card |
|---|---|
| £6.50 for 12 months | £15 for three years |
| Specifically for free cinema companion tickets | Covers accessibility requirements at participating venues |
| Accepted at approximately 90% of UK cinemas | Accepted at participating cinemas, attractions, theatres and events |
| Provides one free companion ticket with a qualifying cinema ticket | The +1 symbol can provide free companion entry where the venue recognises it |
If you already have a Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol, you might not need to purchase a separate CEA Card, depending on which cinema you visit.
However, a Nimbus Access Card isn’t automatically accepted as eligibility evidence when applying for a CEA Card. The two schemes have different application requirements.
Purpl Tip: If you regularly visit cinemas, theatres and attractions, a Nimbus Access Card could be useful across different venues. But if you’re mainly looking for free cinema companion tickets, the CEA Card is cheaper and accepted more widely across UK cinemas.You can find more information at https://www.accesscard.online/.
How do I use my CEA Card to get a free cinema ticket? Choose a participating cinema, book a qualifying ticket for yourself and follow the cinema’s CEA Card booking process to add one free companion ticket. Booking arrangements vary between ODEON, Vue, Cineworld and other cinemas. Have your valid CEA Card available when attending.
At participating ODEON cinemas, CEA Card holders can obtain a free companion ticket with a qualifying paid ticket.
Visit https://www.odeon.co.uk/ and select your cinema and screening.
Follow ODEON’s current CEA Card booking instructions, including any online verification steps.
If you cannot add the companion ticket online, contact the cinema or ask about booking at the box office.
Have your valid CEA Card available when attending.
Vue participates in the CEA Card scheme at participating locations.
Visit https://www.myvue.com/ and choose your film and screening.
Check Vue’s current CEA Card booking arrangements and follow the instructions for adding a complimentary companion ticket.
If the option isn’t available during online booking, contact Vue before purchasing your tickets.
At participating Cineworld cinemas, you can use your CEA Card to obtain a complimentary companion ticket with a qualifying paid ticket.
Visit https://www.cineworld.co.uk/ and select your screening.
Follow Cineworld’s current CEA Card booking instructions or contact the cinema if you need help.
Participating cinemas generally provide a way to arrange CEA Card companion tickets at the box office, subject to their booking procedures.
If you’re unsure about the online process, contact your chosen cinema before travelling.
Bring your valid CEA Card and any booking confirmation or tickets.
Your companion must attend the same screening and be available to provide the assistance you need.
Purpl Tip: If you’re booking wheelchair spaces or other accessible seating, check availability before completing payment. The CEA Card covers the companion ticket but doesn’t automatically reserve accessible facilities.
Is a CEA Card worth getting? If you regularly need someone to accompany you to the cinema, a CEA Card could save you money from your very first visit. The card costs £6.50 a year and allows you to get one free companion ticket each time you buy a qualifying cinema ticket at a participating cinema.
According to the UK Cinema Association, the average UK cinema ticket price was £8.01 in 2025. This means even one visit could cover the cost of your annual CEA Card.
Here’s how much you could save based on that average ticket price:
| Cinema visits per year | Value of free companion tickets | Saving after £6.50 card fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 visit | £8.01 | £1.51 |
| 3 visits | £24.03 | £17.53 |
| 6 visits | £48.06 | £41.56 |
| 12 visits | £96.12 | £89.62 |
These figures are examples based on the national average. Actual savings will depend on your cinema’s ticket prices and any restrictions on the screening you choose.
For someone visiting the cinema once a month, that could mean almost £90 saved over a year, simply by not having to pay for their essential companion’s ticket.
And remember, the free companion ticket isn’t just about saving money. For many disabled people, having someone alongside them makes going to the cinema possible in the first place.
Purpl Tip: Before booking, check whether you can combine your CEA Card with any available cinema ticket offers. You may be able to save on your own ticket as well as getting your companion’s ticket free, although discount combinations depend on the cinema’s terms.
Not always. The CEA Card scheme normally requires the disabled cardholder to purchase a qualifying full-price ticket to receive a complimentary companion ticket.
This means some promotional tickets, vouchers or discounted cinema offers may not qualify.
It’s worth checking the cinema’s terms before buying discounted tickets.
Purpl members can also access discounted cinema vouchers through The Cinema Society, with advertised savings of up to 40% against peak box office prices.
The Cinema Society works differently from the CEA Card. You purchase discounted cinema vouchers and exchange them for tickets at participating cinemas.
However, you shouldn’t assume those vouchers can be combined with a free CEA Card companion ticket.
Before purchasing, check whether the cinema accepts the voucher as the qualifying paid ticket.
You may find that buying one full-price ticket and receiving a free companion ticket works out cheaper than buying two discounted vouchers.
Read our guide: Cheaper cinema tickets with Purpl and The Cinema Society.
Purpl Tip: Compare the total cost of the cinema trip rather than focusing only on the percentage discount. A free companion ticket may provide better value than two individually discounted tickets.
The CEA Card helps with the cost of bringing someone to assist you, but cinemas may also offer other accessibility services.
Depending on the venue, these could include:
Availability varies, so check the individual cinema’s accessibility information before booking.
No. You don’t need a CEA Card simply to request reasonable adjustments at a cinema.
In Great Britain, the Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. Northern Ireland has separate disability discrimination legislation.
The CEA Card is one way cinemas can support disabled visitors, but it doesn’t replace their wider accessibility responsibilities.
Purpl Insight: Accessibility is about more than getting through the door. It’s about being able to enjoy the experience safely, comfortably and with the support you need.
A CEA Card lasts for 12 months, so you’ll need to renew it when it expires if you want to continue using the scheme.
Visit https://www.ceacard.co.uk/apply and choose the renewal option.
You’ll need your previous CEA Card number, along with any evidence, photograph or information requested during the renewal process.
The £6.50 processing fee applies.
You can also renew by post if you prefer.
If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, contact the CEA Card team to check the current replacement process and any applicable fee.
Purpl Tip: Make a note of your card’s expiry date so you have time to renew before your next planned cinema visit.
Yes. You can apply for a CEA Card without receiving PIP or another qualifying disability benefit. The scheme can consider individual applications from disabled people who need assistance at the cinema but don’t have the usual eligibility evidence.
A Blue Badge alone isn’t accepted as direct eligibility evidence for a CEA Card. However, you may still qualify through an individual assessment if you need someone to accompany you because of your disability.
Yes, autistic people and people with ADHD can qualify for a CEA Card if they meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements. However, an autism or ADHD diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify someone.
If you receive an accepted disability benefit, you may be able to apply using your award letter. If you don’t receive a qualifying benefit, you can ask the CEA Card scheme about its individual assessment process.
The key consideration is whether you need another person to provide assistance when visiting the cinema.
Yes. An autistic child aged five or over may qualify for a CEA Card if their disability means they need assistance at the cinema. A diagnosis alone doesn’t guarantee eligibility, but the child’s support needs can be considered.
You’ll generally need accepted disability benefit evidence or proof of qualifying sight impairment registration. If you don’t have these documents, you can contact the CEA Card team about an individual assessment.
Yes, some UK cinemas accept the Nimbus Access Card with the +1 symbol for free essential companion tickets, so you may not need a separate CEA Card. You can check participating venues in the Nimbus Access Card provider directory.
Acceptance for premium screenings, including IMAX and 3D, depends on the participating cinema’s terms. Additional charges or restrictions may apply.
Not always. The CEA Card generally requires a qualifying full-price ticket, so promotional vouchers and discounted tickets may not be eligible. Check with your cinema before purchasing.
Yes. Purpl accepts a valid CEA Card as one of its recognised documents for membership verification, subject to Purpl’s eligibility and verification requirements.
If your CEA Card is lost, stolen or damaged, contact the CEA Card team to request a replacement. You’ll need to provide your details so they can locate your existing card and explain the replacement process, including any applicable fee.
You shouldn’t need to submit a completely new application if your card is still valid, but check with the CEA Card team before arranging your next cinema visit.
The CEA Card is a practical way to reduce the cost of going to the cinema if your disability means you need someone to accompany you.
For £6.50 a year, eligible disabled people can get a free companion ticket at participating cinemas across the UK.
And you don’t necessarily need PIP or another disability benefit to qualify.
If you need assistance but don’t have the usual qualifying evidence, it’s worth exploring the individual assessment route.
The card won’t remove every accessibility barrier, but it can help prevent the additional cost of a companion from making cinema trips unaffordable.
For more ways to save on entertainment and everyday expenses, explore the discounts available through Purpl.
Georgina Colman is the Founder of Purpl and a disability advocate who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since 2003.
She created Purpl to help disabled people, people with long term health conditions, and their families reduce the additional costs that can come with disability.
Through Purpl, Georgina combines lived experience with practical guides, disability-related information and money-saving opportunities to help make everyday life more affordable and accessible.